Networx: Entrance foyer addition

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Thursday

Nov 2, 2017 at 10:23 AMNov 2, 2017 at 10:23 AM

"I love my home but … my front door opens right into the living room." No doubt about it, this is definitely an awkward floor plan. You may have tried ignoring the problem or decorating around it. Now, however, you’re ready for a change. Creating an entrance foyer is an affordable home improvement project, and you’ll love the difference it makes in defining your living space.

Advantages of an entrance foyer

Privacy. If you add on an entrance foyer, you will no longer feel like your living room is a goldfish bowl, putting you and your household on display whenever someone comes to the front door.

Energy efficiency. When the front door opens directly into your living room, you’ll get hit with icy blasts in winter (and waves of heat in summer) every time somebody opens that darn door again. The foyer acts as a buffer zone, taking some pressure off your HVAC system and cutting your utility bills.

Organization. Let’s face it, if you’re the absent-minded type (and who isn’t during the frantic morning rush hour?), you’re more likely to remember keys, gloves, and bag when they’re always stashed in one convenient spot. It’s also helpful to use your foyer area as Command Central, with a large bulletin board posting the family’s schedule and important messages.

Mess containment. An entrance foyer can double as a mudroom — a place for kids big and small to stash their muddy boots, soggy coats, and sopping umbrellas, instead of draping them all over your beautifully decorated living room.

Add a foyer: How to

There are three basic ways to add a front foyer. Whichever you choose, hire a reliable remodeling contractor. Before you build, check to see exactly what legalities you will need to take care of, such as a construction permit and/or permission from your homeowners association or condo board. Another important consideration: Do you want your foyer to be heated? If so, be sure to extend your ductwork.

Build a bumpout — If you have the yard space and local zoning allows, build your entryway onto the outside of your house, as a bumpout. This is the most complex and costly method; you’ll need to install a new exterior door, sturdy flooring, electrical wiring, and a roof, as well as the walls. However, this type of foyer construction offers more design possibilities and a bumpout won’t reduce your interior floor space.

Enclose your porch — Transform your existing porch (or just a part of it) into an entrance foyer. This second method is generally simpler (read less expensive) than constructing a bump-out, since you probably have a few of the basics — such as an electrical power supply — already in place.

Steal a slice of your living room — Here’s the easiest method, although it will cut into your indoor space. Basically, what you’ll do is frame a box. One of the sides will be composed of your entry door and part of your home’s front wall. Install an interior door on another side, either opposite or adjacent to the front side. With this type of foyer, there’s no need to add heat, electricity, and the like, although you might want to install tile or other water-resistant flooring.

Must-haves for your new foyer

Bench — Some place to set down your packages or sit while you get boots on and off is a must. Bonus points if it includes a storage space to stash outdoor footwear. This is a great DIY project.